Representatives of four provinces painted Pattaya Beach in the “Colors of the East” as the annual tourism-promotion festival unfolded for a ninth year.
Chonburi Deputy Gov. Phawat Lertmukhda and Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh opened the Feb. 25-28 Beach Road fair that began with a parade and traditional Thai shows.
The concept behind the festival was to offer people a chance to experience the culture of Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi and Trat.
A collection of 120 booths sold locally made products, cooked meals and fresh seafood while travel agents hawked package tours to the east.
Tourist both Thai and foreign flocked to Beach Road for this year’s “Colors of the East” festival.
The idea was to lighten up Pattaya and give it a different feel. Beach Road, from Central Road to Walking Street, was decorated in full color with “photo corners” draped with various backdrops let people take their selfies or group pictures.
Other activities included the “Like East, Like Share” contest offering various prizes.
Phawat said eastern Thailand is an attractive region that has lots to offer. The festival has proved success in attracting tourism and generating income for the economy. The festival is focused on showcasing the potential of marketing and trade in Pattaya, proposing new attractions and what the city has to offer.
The fair was not without its problems, with nearly 300 street vendors encroaching on the festival, sparking complaints and drawing fines from authorities.
Traffic also was plunged into chaos with the closing of Beach Road at 4 p.m. each day. Soi Buakhao and Second Road both resembled parking lots as people looked for alternatives to the closed major artery.
